Lunar New Year 2025
The Lunar New Year is a significant period of celebration, reflection, and renewal observed by many Asians in America and across the globe. Beginning on January 29, 2025, the Year of the Snake marks this annual observance. Families and friends come together to honor traditions, reflect on the past year, and embrace new beginnings.
For families caring for people with dementia, New Year gatherings offer a particularly meaningful opportunity to initiate important discussions. Although these conversations can begin at any time, the festive atmosphere fosters a supportive environment for family members to plan for the future. Understanding early warning signs and the importance of seeking a diagnosis early are especially crucial in these discussions. Read more about the lunar new year and the benefits of early detection. Here are a few benefits:
1. Involvement in Personal and Healthcare Decisions
Dementia requires extensive planning for the future to ensure proper care, legal decisions, and financial management as the condition progresses. Many Asian American families prioritize a family-centered decision-making process. An early diagnosis ensures that the voice of the person living with dementia remains central in discussions about their personal and healthcare decisions. It also provides families with a valuable opportunity to understand, respect, and honor the person’s wishes. This enables families to make informed decisions during critical moments, aligning with the individual’s preferences while preserving their dignity and autonomy as their cognitive abilities decline.
2. Utilize Available Care, Supports, and Resources
Early diagnosis allows families to take advantage of available treatments, quality services, and adequate care. Treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is typically most effective when started early in the process. Additionally, many culturally sensitive programs and resources are available to people with dementia and their families, including those specifically designed for Asian American communities. These resources offer language-specific support groups, counseling services, and adult day programs that cater to cultural needs. In many Asian American communities, cultural values emphasize the importance of caregiving responsibilities within the family for elder care. Early involvement enables the division of caregiving tasks among family members based on their abilities, availability, and resources. This approach enhances the quality of life for both person living with dementia and their care partners.
3. Participation in Research
Participation in studies provides vital insights into dementia and offers the chance to discover potential treatments or preventive measures. Early detection gives families time to gather information, consult with specialists, and make informed decisions. For Asian Americans, participating in research also helps ensure diversity the study population, ensuring that treatments and findings apply to a broad range of cultural and genetic backgrounds
The Lunar New Year is not only a time to celebrate with loved ones but also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and initiate important conversations about planning for the future. To discover more about our services for people with early stage dementia, please call the Helpline, (844) 435-7259. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles offers culturally and linguistically appropriate services to support families affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Happy Year of the Snake!